Rodgers wins 100m to claim his first US title

Agence France-Presse

SACRAMENTO - Mike Rodgers wasn't going to be slowed by a slight headwind as he captured the 100 meters Friday at the US Track and Field Championships.

Rodgers claimed his first national title by clocking a 10.09 seconds to beat runner-up Ryan Bailey who ran a 10.23 at Hornet Stadium. Sean McLean was third in 10.26.

Rodgers won his heat earlier in the day with a time of 9.80, but that time he had the wind at his back.

"I am just blessed and happy the track is fast. I hope to come back here soon," Rodgers said. "I just tried to be aggressive throughout my race and once I got to the end I knew I was the best man."

Rodgers beat a depleted field Friday as American stars Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin skipped the USA championships.

The 29-year-old Rodgers thinks this result will get their attention.

"Hopefully Tyson and Gatlin will have seen what I did here," Rodgers said.

Tianna Bartoletta won the women's 100 meter title with a time of 11.15. Her path to victory was made easier when Olympic gold medal winner Allyson Felix and rising star Tori Bowie both pulled out of the event.